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American Board of Thoracic Surgery Part I Examination
600 questions
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About this exam
The American Board of Thoracic Surgery Part I Examination is the written qualifying examination in the U.S. cardiothoracic surgery board-certification pathway. It is intended for surgeons who have completed an eligible thoracic surgery training pathway and meet the Board’s current requirements; it is not an examination for admission to residency. Passing Part I is a step toward eligibility for the Part II certifying examination. Candidates should confirm their individual eligibility and application requirements in the current American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) policies.
Preparation requires broad review of cardiothoracic surgery knowledge, not just memorizing isolated facts. Relevant areas include surgical anatomy of the chest and cardiovascular system; cardiopulmonary physiology and hemodynamics; pathology, tumor biology, and staging; and diagnostic imaging and endoscopic evaluation. Candidates should also review the full current exam blueprint, since the examination covers the scope of the specialty. A structured plan that combines topic review, recall, and timed question practice can help identify gaps and build readiness for the written exam.
How to prepare for the ABTS Part I Examination
- Start with the current ABTS candidate information and exam blueprint. Map each listed subject to a study schedule, giving extra review time to areas where your knowledge is less secure.
- Review core thoracic surgery topics systematically, including chest and cardiovascular anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology and hemodynamics, tumor pathology and staging, and imaging and endoscopic evaluation.
- Use timed practice questions to test recall and clinical reasoning, then review why each answer is right or wrong. Revisit missed concepts and use the current official guidance to verify exam requirements and format.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the ABTS Part I Examination?
The examination is for candidates pursuing American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification who have completed an eligible thoracic surgery training pathway and meet the Board’s current requirements. Eligibility and application details can depend on an individual’s training and pathway, so check the latest ABTS policies.
What is the format of the American Board of Thoracic Surgery Part I Examination?
Part I is the written qualifying examination in the ABTS certification process. Consult the current candidate information for the applicable delivery format, timing, and exam-day procedures, as these details should be confirmed for the cycle in which you apply.
What subjects should I study for the ABTS Part I exam?
Use the current ABTS exam blueprint as your guide. Preparation should cover the breadth of cardiothoracic surgery, including anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology and hemodynamics, pathology and tumor staging, and diagnostic imaging and endoscopic evaluation.